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(Editor's note: Due to early holiday deadlines, this article went to press prior to the July 2 Oakdale City Council meeting. Log on to www.oakdaleleader.com for updates to this story and a report on the council meeting.)

Lynne Podesta didn't set out to be a hero that Monday, June 18, when she went to Costless Market for a few items but that's exactly what happened when she rescued a distressed Chihuahua from the confines of a locked car.

More than 120 people converged on Knights Ferry on Sunday, July 1 for the 96.7 co-sponsored 'Rock on the River' event to enjoy the rapids of the Stanislaus River. The event was co-sponsored by River Journey Adventures and the Institute of Technology (IOT) of Modesto and featured water games, a hot dog eating contest and various fun activities once the rafters reached the Orange Blossom Recreation Center. The IOT culinary program donated food and staff to provide a free lunch for the first 100 rafters to reach the end point at Orange Blossom. It was a day of laughter ...

Members of the Oak Valley Hospital Governing Board moved the facility forward on Wednesday, June 27, approving the 2012-2013 Fiscal Year budget and a three-year strategic plan to carry the hospital into 2015 as it transitions into a new facility.

To help celebrate the Fourth of July holiday, there will be a special Lighted Boat Parade on Lake Tulloch, set for 9 p.m. on Wednesday, July 4. Boaters should meet at the South Shore Marina. All are welcome to attend and enjoy the holiday lighting on the variety of boats. Last year, over 60 boats participated, according to parade organizers.

Stanislaus County fire and law enforcement officials will be out in full force during the Fourth of July holiday period to vigorously enforce state laws that allow them to cite those who sell, possess or use illegal fireworks.

Parents with students enrolled at the Oakdale High School were alerted to the possiblity of a man seen videotaping a young high school girl Wednesday, June 27. In light of the recent report of a 16-year-old girl who was kidnapped Wednesday, June 13 as she was walking home from summer school and later raped before being returned to campus, the school thought it prudent to inform parents.

The Oak Valley Hospital Governing Board moved forward on Wednesday, June 27, approving its 2012-2013 Fiscal Year budget and a three year strategic plan to carry the hospital into 2015 as it transitions into a new facility.

Citing financial constraints, Oak Valley Hospital officials asked the City of Oakdale to amend a 2004 development plan that called for the hospital to demolish its old, and existing, facility when it opened up its new hospital this summer.

U.S. Representative Jeff Denham (R-Turlock) introduced a bill on Wednesday, Jan. 14 to lessen the burden on disabled veterans by extending military commissary and exchange store privileges to former service members and their families.

The Bacigalupi family is well known throughout the Oakdale area. Not only for the infamous H-B Saloon on F Street, but also for their philanthropy including sponsoring the Cowboy Golf Tournament, the annual AFC-NFC Championship Tailgate Party to benefit local causes, donations to Spirit of Oakdale, Community Sharing, the Lions Club Children's Christmas Shopping Tour and several contributions to Oakdale High School sports.

Life is not being wasted on Bill and Joanne Parker. At the ages of 85 (Bill) and 84 (Joanne), this couple did not wait for New Year's Day to make a resolution or begin a new health plan. On Jan. 2, 2015 the couple could be found in the same place they were on Dec. 31, 2014 … putting in some time at Fitness Plus in Oakdale.

Like many families do, the 'family' of kids, parents and teachers at The Learning Tree Preschool in Oakdale recently completed their holiday 'Gingerbread House' craft making activity, with the children able to take home their sweet treats to display (or eat) over the holidays. Following are some photos from the special craft day.

Law enforcement fatalities in the U.S. rose 24 percent in 2014, reversing what had been two years of dramatic declines in line of duty deaths, based on preliminary data compiled and released by the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF).